I'm interested in finding factory direct outlets and/or wholesale
suppliers of designer menswear, both formal and casual, with a focus
on these brands: Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Gucci, Prada,
Canali, Armani, Burberry, Fendi, D&G, Ferragamo. Other brands also of
interest: Lacoste, Gant, Trussardi.

I'm looking to purchase two-digit quantities of men's garments from
some of these brands, and I'm hoping to get them from as close to the
manufacturer as possible (removing the middle-men). But where do I
turn to accomplish this?

On my own, I've found some people on eBay offering small quantities or
even singles of some garments, I've found people offering cheap fakes,
and I've found regular stores selling "with a discount" --
unfortunately mostly sample/display items or  factory rejects/damaged
goods. Again: I want the real deal, from as near the manufacturer as
possible, and I'm looking to buy two-digit quantities.

Who can I contact? Thanks!

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Clarification of Question by froske-ga on 10 Jul 2002 11:48 PDT

I suppose the obvious answer would be to contact the manufacturers
themselves, but my experience is that few of them sell directly to end
parties or even to stores. Should you know of any of these that do,
however, please let me know the address of whom in the respective
company to contact for more info. Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by netcrazy-ga on 10 Jul 2002 11:53 PDT

Hi,

Where are you located? I know a couple of places near to my place (I'm
in Stamford-CT), where most of your mentioned brands have factroy
outlets and you can purchase in lots.

Thanks
netcrazy

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Clarification of Question by froske-ga on 10 Jul 2002 12:15 PDT

Actually, I'm in Europe :-) Are these factory outlets online
somewhere? And are you sure they are factory outlets? Most of the
brands I mentioned -- as far as I know -- are produced by in either
Asia or Italy...

Hi there Froske,

We still don't know where in Europe you are.  

You are correct that a lot of clothing is made is Asia or in other
developing countries, specifically those of American brands.  However,
this is not necessarily the case for the  very high-end clothing (say
$2,000/suit), especially not those of the European brands. These are
typically made locally.

As a shopping expert, traveller, and one who has studied the Italian
fashion industry, I know the following.
1) There are outlets everywhere in the US, with much lower prices. 
You wont find the outlets in the big cities, but in the outskirts.
2) There are outlets for the Italian brands that you mentioned in
Italy, but you have to go into the 'suburban' area of the country.  I
hear of many great deals to be found in these outlets, but you would
have to drive an hour out of Milan, say, and find things that are
going out of season.
3) The factories and distributors are very controlled by contracts of
the labels that restrict from selling to people like you (a small
guy), especiallly the in-season materials.  You may find a dishonest
factory willing to do it, but you will need to get lucky to find them.
And then, if you're an honest guy yourself, you wont want to deal with
people like that.
4) If you need the merchandise to sell, the official way to do it is
by enrolling directly with the distributors.
5) Unless you are what the industry calls a 'fashion leader' (like a
celebrity), you likely will likely not find a way to cut the chain.

I hope this helps,
claudietta

Hello Froske.  If you haven't already, have a look at the Apparel
Search site --you may just get lucky and find some distributors in
your geographical area, and if not, I would suggest directing your
question directly to the folks at Apparel Search themselves (using
their "Contact" button) -- if anyone knows the answer, it seems they
would:

http://www.apparelsearch.com/Apparel_Search_2.htm

Good luck.

Thanks for this information. Very interesting. I suppose I'll have to
book a flight to Milano instead ;-)